Classical Et Cetera

In this mailbag episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we respond to listener questions on a range of parenting and homeschooling topics. We talk about limiting video games, responding to boredom in children, and how much attention homeschool parents should give to modern pop culture versus older stories, books, and models. Drawing on principles of classical education, we explore how attention, imagination, and formation shape a child’s learning. Join the conversation as we think through these questions together!   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  Stoner" John Williams (Paul) Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Tanya) North and South" Elizabeth Gaskell (Tanya) Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Tanya) Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austen (Tanya) By Her Own Design" Piper Huguley (Jessica)

How should adults think about reading goals for the coming year—and how do you read more books without letting reading become a burden?   In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about reading goals for 2026 and what it takes to build a reading life that lasts. Whether you’re an avid reader, returning after a long break, or feeling overwhelmed by unfinished books, this conversation explores better ways to read with intention and balance. We discuss fiction and nonfiction, reading for work versus pleasure, and why shared reading and conversation matter so much.   Comment your reading list for 2026! Book recommendations are always welcome.   *Tanya's Stack of Books*  Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen  The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating — Elisabeth Tova Bailey  Absent in the Spring — Agatha Christie  The Door — Magda Szabo  Mystery and Manners — Flannery O'Connor  The Headmaster — John McPhee  Marce Catlett — Wendell Berry     *Martin's Stack of Books*  The Giver — Lois Lowry  Booth Tarkington Biography  Wonderworks — Angus Fletcher  The Master and His Emissary — Iain McGilchrist  Primal Intelligence — Angus Fletcher  The Digital Delusion — Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath  The Last of the Mohicans — James Fenimore Cooper  Quo Vadis — Henryk Sienkiewicz  Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen  The Jungle Book — Rudyard Kipling     *Paul's Stack of Books*  The Greek Way — Edith Hamilton  The Biological Farmer — Gary F. Zimmer  The Liturgy of the Land — Thomas D. Van Horn & Jason M. Craig  Against the Machine — Paul Kingsnorth  The Wild Orchid — Sigrid Undset  The Southern Tradition at Bay — Richard M. Weaver  The Ministry of Fear — Graham Greene     *Jessica's Stack of Books*  I Beheld the Mountains — Joseph Payne  The Modern Proper — Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer  Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt  Little Women — Louisa May Alcott  By Her Own Design — Piper Huguley 

There is no shortage of advice about how Latin _should_ be taught—immersion, conversation, grammar-first, or a blending of methods. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we step back and ask a more fundamental question: what should be the real _goal_ of learning Latin, and how should that goal shape the way we teach it? We discuss grammar versus immersion, reading and speaking, and why different methods produce very different results—especially for children. Join us as we clarify common misconceptions and answer several listener questions!   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Hamnet" Maggie O'Farrell (Tanya) "Hamlet" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "North and South" Elizabeth Gaskell (Tanya) "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Mythology" Edith Hamilton (Martin) "Plutarch's Lives" Plutarch (Martin) "Practical Theology" Peter Kreeft (Martin) "The Portrait of a Lady" Henry James (Martin)

Is a classical education practical in today’s world of trades, technology, and rapidly changing careers? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore that question through the real-life experiences of two classically educated graduates—one studying computer science, the other pursuing a trade. Together, we discuss how classical education prepares students not for a single job, but for many possible paths. From plumbing to programming, we examine transferable skills, lifelong learning, and the formation that equips students for real work and real life.   Due to technical difficulties this episode is audio-only. Thanks for bearing with us, and we'll see you next week! *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Every Thing You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven" Peter Kreeft (Danny) "Oathbringer" Brandon Sanderson (August)  

What do we really mean when we talk about the liberal arts? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we walk through the introduction to Sister Miriam Joseph’s _The Trivium_ and explore the classical understanding of education. Rather than focusing on methods or grade levels, we talk about what education *is* — how grammar, logic, and rhetoric function as tools of the mind, and why education is more than just the accumulation of information.   Read the sample from Sister Miriam Joseph's book that we use for this episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Trivium-The-Liberal-Arts-of-Logic-Gramm…/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202   And watch part one of this conversation right here! https://youtu.be/by_fbsFjStk?si=SzS6jf_bV91-j_40/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "The Roy Grace Series" Peter James (Tanya) "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "A Christmas Memory" Truman Capote (Martin) "Holistic Management" Allan Savory (Paul)

In this Christmas episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we trade our usual “What are you reading?” segment for a festive book exchange! The Core Four each brings a book to give, sparking conversation about classic stories, meaningful reading, and the traditions that shape the season. We recommend beloved Christmas books for children and adults, reflect on why great Christmas stories endure, and offer ideas for reading together as a family.   Christmas Book Exchange 2025 list: The Mythmakers —John Hendrix (From Paul, To Martin) West with the Night —Beryl Markham (From Martin, To Jessica) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes —Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (From Tanya, To Paul) Hamnet —Maggie O'Farrell (From Jessica, To Tanya)

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education?   In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teaching about" doctrine, the role of the creeds, and how classical education approaches Scripture, church history, and doctrine at different stages of a student’s formation. This conversation offers clarity for parents and teachers seeking a thoughtful, faithful, and intellectually honest approach to Christian education—one that emphasizes unity without avoiding depth.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "The Snow Walker" Farley Mowat (Martin) "Tolstoy or Dostoevsky" George Steiner (Martin) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) Frederick Douglas Biography (Dustin)

What is a house system, and why do our classical schools use them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how the house system works at Highlands Latin School—where it came from, what it accomplishes, and why students love it. From leadership and service to school culture and community, we look at how houses shape students in meaningful, lasting ways. Whether you're part of a classical school, a homeschool community, or simply curious about this tradition, join the conversation and see why the house system has become such an important part of our classical education. *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Guardians of Tradition" Ruth Miller Elson (Martin) "Without Precedent" Joel Richard Paul (Shawn) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Daniel)

We’re back with another Mailbag episode! Did classical education actually cause the Enlightenment? How does one become a classical educator? When is the best time to start logic at home?   We’re also diving into co-ops, composition choices for younger students, art and music recommendations, and more! Whether you're homeschooling, teaching in a classical school, or simply curious about classical education, join us as we work through these thoughtful questions—and send us more at podcast@memoriapress.com.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Galahad and the Grail" Malcolm Guite (Martin) "Christian Paideia" Brian Welter (Martin) "Unnatural Death" Dorothy Sayers (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Paul)

Fairy tales are far more than simple children’s stories. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore why these tales endure, what they offer the moral imagination, and how they help both children and adults see the world with clarity and wonder. From questions about when to begin reading fairy tales to the connections they share with Scripture, we discuss why "demythologizing" (whether fairy tale or sacred text) risks losing the very truth they carry. Join us for a thoughtful classical and Christian look at stories that shape our soul.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Ian) "Everything Sad Is Untrue" Daniel Nayeri (Ian) "Housekeeping" Marilynne Robinson (Ian) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Leigh) "Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist" Damian Ference (Leigh) "Beauty and Imitation" Daniel Mclnerny (Vigen) "Into the Light: Classical Education and Orthodox Christianity" David Hicks and Anthony Gilbert (Vigen) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul)

What are the best Christian novels to read? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we share a new list of books we think are especially worthwhile for Christian readers. These stories that have stayed with us, shaped our thinking, and resonated with our Christian beliefs. Whether you’ve read through our original list or you're simply looking for your next great book, this episode offers practical recommendations and helpful discussion!   *Read the original article from Martin Cothran—"Twelve Great Christian Novels"* https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/twelve-great-christian-novels/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=196   *Watch our previous episode on "12 Great Christian Books You Should Read"* https://youtu.be/j9vLO8-dfbc?si=gh9P0LSVzsFVIdAd?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=196   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "Green Dolphin Street" Elizabeth Goudge (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Northwest Angle" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "Merlin's Isle" Malcom Guite (Martin) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Martin)   *And here are titles that we talked about, this episode, adding on to the original "Twelve Great Christian Novels"* "A Lesson Before Dying" Ernest J. Gaines "East of Eden" John Steinbeck "Fidelity" Wendell Berry "Hannah Coulter "Wendell Berry "I Heard the Owl Call My Name" Margaret Craven "Jane Eyre" Charlotte Brontë "Silence" Shūsaku Endō "The Gathering" Anne Enright "The Princess and the Goblin" George MacDonald "The Scarlet Letter" Nathaniel Hawthorne "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" Anne Brontë "To Kill a Mockingbird" Harper Lee    

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child—especially when that child seems ahead of the curve. But in a classical education, growth isn’t about racing forward; it’s about steady formation and broad mastery. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the panel discusses when a gifted child should skip a grade and why every stage of learning matters. They explore how to challenge bright students without rushing the basics, how maturity shapes readiness, and why true education values depth over speed. This is a thoughtful conversation for parents seeking wisdom, not hurry, in their child’s learning journey.   What We're Reading from This Episode:  "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Christian Paideia (Vol. I)" Brian Welter (Martin) "Frankenstein" Wollstonecraft Shelley (Marcie) "Anne of Green Gables" L.M. Montgomery (Marcie) "The Good, the bad, and the Beautiful" Joseph Pearce (Marcie)

This week on Classical Et Cetera. it’s another Mailbag episode! We’re answering all your homeschool and classical education questions. Should you teach with drawings, if you can’t draw? How do you start a book club that actually works? How does Berean Builders fit with Memoria Press science programs? Can Classical Conversations and Memoria Press work together? Join us as we dig into these questions and more, and ask us more questions by emailing us at podcast@memoriapress.com.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Against The Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Paul) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) "The Hound of the Baskervilles" Arthur Conan Doyle (Tanya) "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Cork O'Connor series" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion" Beth Brower (Jessica)

As classrooms grow more casual, is something important being lost? This week’s Classical Et Cetera tackles the question of formality in both schools and homeschools. We explore why order, decorum, and even dress still matter in a classical education. Along the way, a listener brings us a question about balancing extracurriculars with the homeschool day—and how pursuits like music, art, and physical fitness fit within an ordered life. From playing with purpose to pajama days, we trace how formality shapes not just the classroom, but the character of the student and the culture of learning itself.   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Two Gentlemen of Verona - William Shakespeare (Tanya) The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis (Tanya) The Killing Stones - Ann Cleeves (Tanya) Truth Matters - Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) Kristin Lavransdatter - Sigrid Undset (Carrie) The Hound of the Baskervilles - Arthur Conan Doyle (Carrie) From Dawn to Decadence - Jacques Barzun (Martin) Mythology - Edith Hamilton (Martin) Joseph Epstein (Martin) King Lear - William Shakespeare (Jeremy) Macbeth - William Shakespeare (Jeremy)

It takes us a while to get there, but it’s worth the journey! In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Tanya, Martin, and Paul share what they’re reading, answer a listener question about audiobooks, and (eventually) get around to the main topic of the liberal art Here, they explore the liberal arts through the lens of Sister Miriam Joseph’s The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric. This classic work provides a clear look at the foundations of classical education. We hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation! Read the sample from Sister Miriam Joseph's book that we use for this episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Trivium-The-Liberal-Arts-of-Logic-Grammar-and-Rhetoric-Chapter-1-Sample.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 Read with Paul & Tanya! The Hound of the Baskervilles Set: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/eighth/hound-baskervilles-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 Find us online! https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 More to A Midsummer Night. A Midsummer Night's Dream Set: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/ninth/a-midsummer-nights-dream-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 About Memoria Press: https://www.memoriapress.com/about/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Hound of the Baskervilles—Arthur Conan Doyle (Paul) Sun and Steel—Yukio Mishima  (Paul) Mythology—Edith Hamilton (Martin) Plutarch: Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans—Plutarch and Arthur Hugh Clough (Martin) The Killing Stones—Ann Cleeves (Tanya) The Two Gentlemen of Verona—William Shakespeare (Tanya) Truth Matters—Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) 00:00 Introduction 00:42 What We're Reading 12:18 Listener Question: Do You Count Audiobooks as Reading? 22:10 Topic: Introduction to "The Trivium"—Sister Miriam Joseph

What’s behind the decline of American democracy—and can education fix it? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera the team discusses why the health of our republic depends not necessarily on politicians, but on teachers, parents, and the formation of virtuous citizens. Modern society often treats the decline of democracy as a political problem, but classical educators know it’s an educational one. A free people can only remain free when they know how to govern themselves—and that begins in classrooms, not in Congress. Join us as we explore how classical education cultivates wisdom, virtue, and self-government, and why rebuilding the soul of the nation starts with the minds of the young. Read Mitchell Holley's article "A Democratic Education" right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/a-democratic-education?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 You can read Anne of Green Gables too! LEARN MORE https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/sixth/anne-of-green-gables-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 Be ready for Mitchell to finish Third Form Greek! LEARN MORE https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/greek/first-form-greek-complete-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 "It is funny how mortals picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” READ NOW https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/educational-resources/the-screwtape-letters/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 Check out our Classical Core Curriculum! LEARN MORE https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 Famous Men of Rome videos now available! BUY NOW https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-rome/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191   What We're Reading from This Episode:  Various Greek Authors (Mitchell) The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion—Beth Brower (Tanya) The Screwtape Letters—C.S. Lewis (Tanya) Truth Matters—Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) A Midsummer Night's Dream—William Shakespeare (Tanya) The Idiot—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture: Volume III—Werner Jaeger (Martin)

What does poetry offer that prose cannot? In this week’s Classical Et Cetera, we explore how verse builds literacy, memory, and a love of language. Discover how rhythm, structure, and beauty shape the mind and soul, and why poetry remains essential for both personal enrichment and classical education.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  Gerard Manley Hopkins Poetry (Kathy) _Notes from Underground_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Kathy) _Anne of Green Gables_—L.M. Montgomery (Tanya) _The Two Gentlemen of Verona_—William Shakespeare (Tanya) _Truth Matters_—Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) _The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) _The Glass Bead Game_—Hermann Hesse (Martin)

Why does writing things down matter? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we dive into journaling, commonplace books, and note-taking tips within a classical education. From how to properly journal in an academic setting to how to use a journal for personal and self growth, we discuss the benefits of good handwriting, the value of writing by hand vs typing, and why keeping a commonplace book—or "Vade Mecum"—helps students and adults remember and reflect.   We share practical advice on academic journal writing, how to mark a book, and how classical educators guide students from simple note-taking in the early grades to more independent habits in high school. Plus, we touch on classical preschool readiness activities and how parents can instill a love of books, build fine motor skills, and nurture reading habits from the very beginning.   Join the conversation and discover why journaling and note-taking remain timeless tools for learning and growth!   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _Anne of Green Gables_—L.M. Montgomery (Tanya) _The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya) _Persuasion_—Jane Austen (Tanya) _Boone: A Biography_—Robert Morgan (Paul) _The Big Sleep_—Raymond Chandler (Martin)

In this special mailbag episode of Classical et Cetera, we are answering questions straight from our listeners! From classical education and the history of philosophy to standardized testing and watching movies, nothing is off limits. Join the rapid fire and ask us more questions by emailing us at podcast@memoriapress.com. Thanks for your question, Patricio! The book Martin mentioned is The Seven Liberal Arts: A Study in Medieval Culture by Paul Abelson. Other materials we talked about today: Anne of Green Gables https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/sixth/anne-of-green-gables-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=188 Famous Men & Classical Studies https://www.memoriapress.com/classical-studies/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=188 First Form Greek https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/greek/first-form-greek-complete-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=188   00:00 Introduction 01:40 What We're Reading 06:18 Ask Us Anything! Classical Et Cetera Mailbag   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Idiot—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi) —Hermann Hesse (Martin) The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion —Beth Brower (Tanya) Anne of Green Gables —L.M. Montgomery (Tanya & Paul)

Why do students in classical education memorize all 70 stanzas of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s Horatius at the Bridge? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore one of the most demanding—and most rewarding—academic challenges that we give our students: the recitation of Horatius. We trace the story of Horatius and its place in Roman legend, consider why Winston Churchill himself memorized the poem, and explain how this tradition became the "Winston Churchill Award" for our students today. Along the way, we reflect on how memory work builds courage, confidence, and leadership, shaping students to take on challenges far beyond the classroom. This conversation also looks at why classical Christian education prizes memorization as “mental furniture,” especially in an age of Google and smartphones when it is tempting to outsource our minds. From ancient Roman heroism to modern homeschool recitations, Horatius at the Bridge shows why memory work remains central to classical education and why it continues to inspire both students and families. Purchase our Horatius at the Bridge Set today! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/horatius-bridge/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=187 Read the article from former Assistant Secretary of State, Robert B. Charles: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/horatius-bridge-0/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=187   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Idiot—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) Men Against the Sea—Charles Bernard Nordhoff (Martin) The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion—Beth Brower (Tanya) Education of a Wandering Man—Louis L'Amour (Paul) Around the World in Eighty Days—Marian Leighton (Paul) The Human Factor—Graham Greene (Paul)